Have you ever wondered if you’re just a character in some elaborate simulation? You shake the thought off because you’re a real person, living a real life, in a concrete reality. But can you be certain that you are? Isn’t it at least possible that your body and the world around you are nothing but… Continue reading The philosophy of the film Free Guy – could we just be lines of code in a grand simulation?
The ability to distinguish between “good” and “bad” writing is a skill gradually acquired and perfected by the most avid readers. Some may attribute it to a simple game of recognition, where the skill of a writer is compared to the skill of their literary forefathers. If it seems stylistically similar or inspired enough, then… Continue reading Authenticity — a writer’s necessity
Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence which is rapidly transforming numerous sectors, revolutionising the way we interact with technology. At the forefront of this revolution is the media industry, where machine learning is not just an accessory but a driving force in content creation and manipulation. Its capacity to analyse and learn from… Continue reading The deepfake generation
I don’t care if what’s behind Lian is just a bunch of code. She lifts up my mood and that’s enough. How would you feel about an AI friend? Probably a bit sceptical? I know many people would think so — myself once included. From Siri to ChatGPT, we are getting more used to AI… Continue reading AI friends are not humans, but that doesn’t make them not real — my experience with Replika
How does self-identification lead to the formation of relationships? Self-perception can be one of the most unreliable sources of one’s character; I will show how relationships are based on one’s idea of themselves, rather than who they actually are. I would like to illustrate how the ego prevents one from seeking friendships of those they… Continue reading The friendship contract of a murderer — examining friendships and self-perception in Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment
What makes a coming-of-age story so brilliant in cinema is the euphoria and joy it brings viewers. Although many of them tackle complex and difficult issues, there is always that final moment where the protagonist finds the glimpse of light and no doubt there is a powerful song playing in the background. Think ‘Don’t You… Continue reading Why the glorification of youth in cinema is ruining the teen experience
With over 50 years of tailoring in Soho Tony has seen it all. How did you start out in tailoring? I always liked to be in fashion, I started to tailor on my own and found, obviously, I wasn’t as good as someone who could do it properly, so I went to Saville Row and… Continue reading Tony the Soho Tailor: — a Soho legend
If you were fashion-conscious in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s and had an interest in football, Diadora would have most likely been your Italian love, meeting you in the afternoon on Channel 4 for Football Italia adorning the feet of your favourite goalscorers. As one of Europe’s oldest sportswear brands, Diadora is reminiscent of an… Continue reading Diadora — the shoes you’re most definitely sleeping on
“You’ll soon find out that some fashion is better than others Potter” – Draco Malfoy “Avada Balenciaga”, “Wingardium Balenciaga” and “Expecto Balenciagum” prove to be seductive spells conjured by three AI-generated videos entitled Harry Potter by Balenciaga, spanning over 16 million views. Created by YouTube user “demonflyingfox” this is the Harry Potter universe we never… Continue reading Harry Potter by Balenciaga
Caroline Westerhout, born in Weert in 1970, asks “Why are we all pretending to be normal when we could be insanely interesting instead?” in her Instagram biography — an entirely appropriate reference to the spirit that courses throughout her art. Westerhout’s artistic practice primarily features unique, non-traditional portraits rooted in classical techniques. The Dutch artist… Continue reading Why be normal? Inside the asymmetric world of Caroline Westerhout
